General Abdourahamane Tchiani This video frame grab image obtained by AFP from ORTN – Télé Sahel on July 28, 2023 shows General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s new strongman, speaking on national television and reads a statement as “President of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland”, after the ouster of President-elect Mohamed Bazoum. (Photo by ORTN – Télé Sahel / AFP)
Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad has dismissed claims of issuing expulsion orders to the envoys of Nigeria, the United States, and Germany from Niger Republic.
In a statement in Niamey, Niger, the ministry clarified that it solely granted a 48-hour ultimatum to the French envoy in Niger, Ambassador Sylvain Itte, to depart from the country.
“Contrary to the information distilled and purpose on social networks which report a decision by the Nigerien authorities ordering the Ambassadors of Germany, Nigeria and the United States of America to leave Nigerien territory within 48 hours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad specifies that the said information is false and that only the Ambassador of France in Niger is declared persona non grata.”
The Nigerien Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad reiterated that those who were skeptical and questioning the nation’s sovereign decision should understand that Niger did not require authorization or an interpretation of the Vienna Convention of 1961 to exercise its authority.
The ministry asserted its prerogative to enforce the 48-hour ultimatum for Ambassador Sylvain Itte to depart from the country.
Reports emerged in the media on August 4, 2023, regarding the ultimatum given to envoys from the United States, France, and Nigeria by the Nigerien junta to leave the country.
In response to the news, Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Nigeria was unaware of such developments.
Niger has been grappling with a political crisis and uncertainties since July 26 when General Abdourahamane Tchiani, along with members of the Presidential Guard and the Armed Forces, ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum from office.
This situation has garnered both local and international attention, prompting the convening of multiple sessions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government and the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff.
Due to the change of government, ECOWAS had initially imposed sanctions on Niger, and now the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is evaluating the possibility of military intervention in the Francophone country.
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